Page 148 - Fine Japanese Art March 27, 2020 Galerie Zacke Netsuke and Okimono

153 | MASATOSHI: A SUPERB
IVORY NETSUKE OF A
DUTCHMAN WITH HARE
By Tokisada Nakamura (Masatoshi)
(1915-2001), signed Masatoshi
Japan, Tokyo, c. 1960-1980

Depicting a standing jolly Dutchman carrying
a large hare slung over his back and tied
to the double-barrel of his rifle, the bullet
hole visible on the top of the poor hare’s
head. The Dutchman’s pupils are inlaid in
dark horn, as are the buttons on his coat.
The hem of the coat shows finely engraved
turbulent waves, which appear to cause
the front hem to flap open. The hare’s fur is
finely engraved, the expression is somewhat
peaceful as the front paws exhibit rigor
mortis. The Dutchman stands proudly and
is wearing an allonge wig, with finely carved
curly hair beneath a broadly rimmed hat.
Good asymmetrical himotoshi above the
signature MASATOSHI 雅俊.
HEIGHT 7.8 cm
Condition: Excellent condition.
Provenance: Ex collection June Schuerch,
purchased from Sydney Moss Ltd. by the
present owner. (This lot is accompanied by a
copy of the invoice from Sydney Moss Ltd.)
This netsuke is executed after a design by
the Masanao of Kyoto, currently residing in
the collection of Dr. Joseph Kurstin, Miami.
154 | SEIHOSAI MEIKEI: A SUPERB IVORY
Estimate EUR 5.000,- NETSUKE OF KURONOSUKE AND OYURA
Starting price EUR 2.500,-
By Seihosai Meikei (born 1932), signed Meikei
Japan, Tokyo, c. 1980
Published: Temple, Charles R.: Seihosai Meikei. In: Journal of the
International Netsuke Collectors Society, Vol. 12, no. 3, December
1984, p. 32, fig. 14.

A superbly carved ivory netsuke conveying the movement of the
composition masterfully. Depicted is Oyura being lifted and held
tightly by Oishi Kuronosuke, the leader of the 47 Ronin and her
unwanted suitor, who refuses to let her go as she spurns his
advances. Oyura’s kimono is intricately engraved with an asanoha
pattern and Oishi’s shows his family crest. Himotoshi and signature
MEIKEI 明恵 to the reverse.
HEIGHT 5.1 cm

Condition: Excellent condition.
Provenance: Ex collection Elly Nordskog, purchased from Sydney
Moss Ltd. by the present owner. (This lot is accompanied by a copy Seihosai Meikei, born 1932 in Tokyo, was a fine creator of netsuke
of the invoice from Sydney Moss Ltd.) bursting with energy and force. His versatility becomes particularly
evident when viewing the netsuke he carved after antique
Oyura was the mistress of the villainous Lord Kira in the story of masterpieces (Journal of the International Netsuke Collectors
the 47 Ronin. The present netsuke is carved after a netsuke by the Society, Vol. 12, no.3, pp. 36f.).
contemporary master Ryo. The original is illustrated in an article
on him by Rolf Schmoll and Francois Storno in the Journal of the Estimate EUR 4.000,-
International Netsuke Collectors Society, Vol. 15, p. 35, fig.7. Starting price EUR 2.000,-

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